The McLaren 720S Will Redefine Your Expectations Of A Supercar

After seeing the specs, it's safe to say we're sold on the McLaren 720S.

After weeks of tantalizing us with teasers for several months, McLaren has finally unveiled its much-anticipated successor to the 650S. And, as was widely speculated, it’s called the McLaren 720S, signaling the start of the second-generation McLaren Super Series. The McLaren 720S is better than the 650S in practically every way – it’s lighter, faster and more dynamically capable than its predecessor. Unlike the 650S, which was essentially an update of the MP4-12C, the 720S is an entirely new model.

For starters, it’s more aerodynamically efficient than the 650S. Gone are the traditional side radiator intakes, which have been replaced by unique ‘double-skin’ dihedral doors that channel air to the radiators to cool the mid-mounted engine. This smart design provides extra downforce and improves engine cooling by 15 percent. Of course, what you really want to know are the specs. Like its predecessors, the McLaren 720S is powered by a twin-turbo V8, which has had an extra 0.2-liters bored out of it to make it a 4.0-liter engine comprising of lighter components - 41 percent of which are entirely new. Unsurprisingly, this results in a substantial increase in power, generating 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque.

Yes, that’s more power than the Nurburgring record-setting Lamborghini Huracan Performante. The resulting performance is blistering, to say the least – McLaren wasn’t exaggerating when it said the 720S will redefine our expectations for supercar capabilities. 0-62 mph in the McLaren 720S takes just 2.8 seconds, and before you know it you’ve already hit 124 mph in 7.8 seconds and reached a quarter mile in 10.3 seconds prior to reaching the top speed of 212 mph. As we already know, its stopping power is just as gut-wrenching: the 720S will brake to a halt from 124 mph in just 4.6 seconds, covering 117 meters.

Power-to-weight ratio is said to be the best in its segment, thanks to its lightweight carbon fiber Monocage II chassis, which delivers extreme strength and rigidity. Combined with other weight-reducing components, the McLaren 720S’ dry weight has been reduced to 1,283 kg (2,822 pounds), while the curb weight is only 1,419 kg (3,121 pounds). Again, that’s a lot less than the Huracan Performante. Elsewhere, the 720S features a new generation of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control, new suspension, and power-assisted, electro-hydraulic steering to deliver huge reserves of grip, balance, and performance.

Inside, you’ll be greeted with a luxurious hand-crafted interior with high quality leather and aluminum materials. Complimenting the swish interior is the new McLaren Driver Interface which comes in two flavors. A wealth of information is displayed on the Central Infotainment Touchscreen, or it can be switched to a Folding Driver Display Transformers-style so it only displays vital information, which is less distracting to the driver. Prices for the McLaren 720S start at £208,600 ($254,617) in the UK, with three options ranging from standard, performance and luxury trims. Deliveries are due to start in May. It's safe to say the McLaren 720S will be a worthy successor to the 650S.